Big Bear sighted off Lahaina

July 4, 2013

LAHAINA - The 500-foot California Maritime Academy Training Ship Golden Bear recently visited Lahaina amid the second leg of a two-month voyage from her home in Vallejo, CA.

The more than 300 Cal Maritime students on board are in the process of attaining a four-year degree. The students run the ship from stem to stern while overseen by licensed deck officers and engineers.

As part of the specialized curriculum, students take courses while underway and perform ship maintenance at sea and in port as part of their academy training.

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The Training Ship Golden Bear (TSGB) serves as the primary training platform on which cadets apply technological skills introduced in the classroom and leadership skills acquired from their work assignments and responsibilities with the Corps of Cadets at California Maritime Academy.

With strong ties to Lahaina Yacht Club, 2013 TS Golden Bear tours were orchestrated by the Navy League of the United States/Maui Council and LYC.

Forty individuals were afforded this three-hour educational opportunity on board the ship. Each walked away equipped to spark interest in the program among young people, and with a greater appreciation for the excellent maritime training and preparation the young people undertake with pride.

Hawaii is second only to Washington State in the number of non-California students it sends to Cal Maritime each year.

From Lahaina, the ship continues to Cabo San Lucas, Seattle and Portland before heading back to her home port on July 12.